268 MIGRATION AT NIGHT. 



even (probably night) the quails came up and 

 covered the camp.' 5 Thus we see the most an- 

 cient of all historical works, and' natural history, 

 each throwing lights on each other. 



I have always considered that the instinct which 

 has been implanted in defenceless birds to make 

 their migrations by night, affords a very extraor- 

 dinary and delightful proof of the care and tender- 

 ness of a benevolent Creator towards His crea- 

 tures. If such birds as the quail, woodcock, snipe, 

 nightingale, swallow, &c., performed their migra- 

 tions in the daytime, they would be subject to the 

 attacks of birds of prey, and also of man. How 

 seldom does it strike us that so many of the little 

 migratory warblers, which come to us in the spring, 

 enlivening our walks, and delighting us with their 

 music, have so lately had a midnight flight over 

 extensive seas, guided by His hand who watches 

 over them, and who has declared that not even a 

 sparrow is forgotten by Him. What a strong in- 

 ducement should this consideration be to every 

 one to avoid every species of cruelty, and to treat 

 with care and with kindness those animals, which 

 a good and beneficent Being himself protects and 

 provides for. 



The exterminating propensity of man has de- 

 prived us of many birds, and some quadrupeds, 

 which formerly were found in this country. The 

 Bustard no longer stalks over our downs, and the 



